Drought Challenges Farmers in Bharmour as New Year Snowfall Falls Short

Farmers and orchardists in Bharmour are enduring a prolonged drought, with hopes for significant snowfall in the New Year unmet. The limited precipitation has affected crops, particularly apple orchards that rely on cold temperatures for chilling hours. While some areas received fresh snow, it was insufficient to alleviate the ongoing drought conditions. Despite these challenges, the agricultural community remains hopeful for improved weather in the future. Discover more about the impact of these conditions on local farming and the resilience of the farmers in this region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 2, 2026, 18:55 IST

Drought Conditions Persist in Bharmour

Farmers and orchardists in the Bharmour subdivision are facing severe drought conditions that have lasted over two months. As the New Year approached, there were hopes for substantial snowfall, but the light flurries and minimal snow on January 1 left many feeling disheartened.

For apple growers, the cold temperatures in January are essential for achieving the necessary chilling hours for their orchards. Unfortunately, the limited snowfall has not met these needs, providing only slight relief to crops such as wheat, mustard, and peas.

In the upper regions of Bharmour, including Kugti, Balmui, Malkauta, Supa, Garima, Ulansa, and Bani, fresh snowfall was recorded, accumulating nearly three inches. Higher elevations, like the Kartik Swami temple in Kugti, received about six inches, while the Manimahesh Dal Lake area saw close to a foot of new snow.

Despite the ongoing challenges, farmers and orchardists remain optimistic that the weather will eventually align with their agricultural needs.